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Stedfast finally bag Premier title

May 22nd 2000. The Evening Herald by Jimmy Geoghegan.

It wasn't so much a matter of if, as when. Stedfast United's journey to the Premier title - which ended in an emphatic fashion with a comprehensive win over Dublin University last weekend - had the air of inevitability about it for some time. United's achievement is all the more praiseworthy in that it was achieved without a defeat. It will be slightly regrettable to Bill Long and his charges that they couldn't keep the unbeaten run going until the completion of the league programme.

Last Monday night United lost 3-1 to Trinity Corinthians in the league but considering the defeat came just two days after they had won the title it was perhaps understandable. The one goal against the Corinthians came from Gary Whyte, who else? This was his 45th strike of the season, a remarkable achievement for any striker. Driven on by the manager Long's will to win, and with one of the strongest defences in the league, Stedfast have a hugely competitive edge that few manage to blunt. It was party time for the Stedfast United seconds who won Division 1 in some style.